Chemical Compatibility Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of phase change erythritol/expanded graphite@Ag composite materials for thermal energy storage

In this paper, the composite PCMs of Erythritol (ET)/Expanded Graphite (EG)@Ag were prepared by vacuum impregnation method with EG@Ag as matrix and the ET as the phase change material (PCM). The chemical compatibility, thermodynamic properties and thermal stability of composite phase change materials (CPCMs) were systematically examined. The results illustrated that the CPCMs possessed good chemical compatibility with only physical interaction between ET and EG@Ag. The supercooling of ET/EG@Ag-8 wt% reduced by 42.13 °C, which also remain high melting and solidification enthalpy of −258.09 J/g and 187.63 J/g, respectively. The thermal conductivity of ET/EG@Ag-8 wt% reached to 2.87 W/(m·K), which resulted in an enhancement of 463 % in the thermal conductivity of ET. Thermal stability results show that all CPCMs of ET/EG@Ag present good thermal stability below 200 °C. This offers new prospects for the use of ET in the field of medium temperature phase transitions.

Stability and Compatibility of an Intramuscular Fetal Anesthetic Cocktail for Fetal Intervention

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate chemical stability and physical compatibility when combining fentanyl, rocuronium, and atropine in a fixed ratio to support intramuscular drug delivery during fetal intervention and surgery. Methods: A highly concentrated combination of fentanyl, rocuronium, and atropine was created based on common prescribing practices at a maternal-fetal care center. Chemical stability testing was completed using liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) to detect and quantitate atropine, rocuronium, and fentanyl, with fentanyl-d5 being an internal standard at 6, 12, 24, and 36 h following sample preparation. Physical compatibility testing was completed using United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <788> recommended analytical technique of light obscuration in addition to novel backgrounded membrane imaging at 6 and 24 h following sample preparation. Physical compatibility was determined using USP <788> particle count limits for both techniques. Results: Based on LC/MS-MS results, the samples retained expected medication concentrations at all time points tested. For physical compatibility testing, the particle counts met criteria to be considered compatible per USP <788> large-volume particle count thresholds at 6 h by both methods but exceeded tolerable thresholds at 24 h. Discussion/Conclusion: The combination of rocuronium, fentanyl, and atropine for intramuscular fetal administration is physically compatible and chemically stable for 6 h.

Quantitative analysis of interfacial microstructural degradation in MCrAlY-coated superalloys during varied service conditions

MCrAlY coatings are extensively utilized to shield turbine blades from oxidative and erosive circumstances. Nonetheless, the interdiffusion between the coating and the superalloy substrate results in the genesis of topologically close-packed (TCP) particles, thereby reducing the longevity of components exposed to high temperatures during operation. In this investigation, the progression of the microstructure in MCrAlY-coated Ni-based single crystal superalloys was meticulously quantified using digital image analysis, considering a spectrum of pre-exposure temperatures, durations, and stress levels. Through digital image analysis, we observed a variation in the length of TCP particles, ranging from 3.25 to 9.8 μm, under different conditions. Interestingly, the width of TCP particles remained consistent at 0.6 μm under all tested conditions. An innovative microstructure forecasting model was formulated, encompassing standardized parameters to evaluate the impact of pre-exposure conditions. This model demonstrated a robust correlation with experimental results. This study contributes to the refinement of our understanding of interfacial microstructure deterioration caused by operational conditions and aids in the progression of coating-substrate chemical compatibility.

Physicochemical compatibility of caffeine citrate and caffeine base injections with parenteral medications used in neonatal intensive care settings

PurposeTo investigate the physicochemical compatibility of caffeine citrate and caffeine base injections with 43 secondary intravenous (IV) drugs used in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) settings.MethodsCaffeine citrate (20 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL) or caffeine base injection (10 mg/mL) were mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1 with the secondary drug solution to simulate Y-site co-administration procedures in NICUs. Physical compatibility was evaluated based on visual observation for 2 h, against a black and white background and under polarised light, for changes in colour, precipitation, haze and evolution of gas. Chemical compatibility was determined from caffeine concentration measurements, using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography assay.ResultsSix of the 43 secondary drugs tested (aciclovir, amphotericin (liposomal), furosemide, hydrocortisone, ibuprofen and ibuprofen lysine) were physically incompatible with caffeine citrate undiluted injection (20 mg/mL), at their high-end, clinically relevant concentrations for NICU settings. However, when tested at lower concentrations, hydrocortisone (1 mg/mL) was physicochemically compatible, whereas furosemide (0.2 mg/mL) was physically incompatible with caffeine citrate. The six drugs which showed physical incompatibility with caffeine citrate 20 mg/mL injection were also physically incompatible with caffeine citrate 10 mg/mL solution. All 43 secondary drugs tested were physicochemically compatible with caffeine base injection.ConclusionsMost secondary test drugs, except aciclovir, amphotericin (liposomal), furosemide, hydrocortisone, ibuprofen and ibuprofen lysine, were physicochemically compatible with caffeine citrate injection. Caffeine base injection was physicochemically compatible with all 43 test drugs tested.

Biomass waste lotus shell-based shape-stabilized phase change composites with improved thermal conductivity for thermal management

Lotus shells represent an underutilized renewable resource with desirable porous architecture for producing bio-based phase change composites (PCMs). This research endeavors to fabricate a series of shape-stable phase change composites (SSPCCs) based on n-docosane (ND) and waste lotus shells to enhance heat utilization, solar photothermal energy conversion, and promote environmental protection. Both carbonization and activation processes play a critical role in the formation of desired pore structures. The carbonized lotus shells (CLS) and activated lotus shells (ALS) exhibit superior specific surface areas, reaching 147.70 m2/g for CLS and 1652.35 m2/g for ALS. Notably, the composite of ND integrated with ALS (ND/ALS) exhibits satisfactory latent heat storage of 93.68 J/g, excellent leakage prevention, and exceptional thermal cycle stability. Subsequently, the ND/ALS displays a significantly enhanced thermal conductivity of 0.482 W/(m·K) with an appreciable increment of 189% compared to ND. Furthermore, the obtained SSPCCs present good chemical compatibility, satisfactory thermochemical stability, and outstanding thermal management capability. In conclusion, the novel waste lotus shell-derived SSPCCs exhibit extensive potential for thermal management, such as heat recovery, solar energy conversion, and temperature regulation. This research not only introduces a promising avenue for enhancing sustainable materials in energy storage and conversion but also pioneers an innovative recycling strategy for waste lotus shells, thereby contributing to both environmental sustainability and efficient resource utilization.

Low-carbon shape-stable phase change composite utilizing semi-coke ash for building thermal energy storage

To enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of heating, air-conditioning, and solid waste recycling in buildings, this work proposed the solid waste semi-coke ash as skeleton material and the sodium carbonate as phase-change material to produce shape-stable phase-change composites using the cold compression-hot sintering method for building thermal energy storage. Eight shape-stable phase-change composites were prepared and the detailed chemical compatibility, thermal property, structural and mechanical performance, and micromorphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, laser flash analysis, N2 adsorption and desorption method, constant speed pressurization method, and scanning electron microscopy. Results demonstrated that semi-coke ash is suitable with sodium carbonate for fabricating shape-stable phase-change composites. The optimal mass ratio of semi-coke ash to Na2CO3 powder for sample CC3 was determined to be 52.5:47.5. This particular sample demonstrated a thermal energy storage density of 961.58 J/g and a maximum thermal conductivity of 1.306 W/(m ∙ K). It also exhibited excellent chemical compatibility between its components. Furthermore, sample CC3 displayed a mechanical strength of 23.57 MPa, with elements evenly distributed throughout. Importantly, CO2 emission from the production of sample CC3 was significantly low, indicating great potential for commercialization.

A novel protonic ceramic fuel cell with SrSn0.8Sc0.2O3-δ electrolyte

The recent discovery of SrSn0.8Sc0.2O3-δ (SSS) perovskite oxide as a promising proton-conducting material has generated interest in its potential application in electrochemical devices as PCFCs. This study assesses the feasibility of SSS in PCFCs by its stability, density, chemical compatibility, and electrochemical performance. The study demonstrated the favorable stability of SSS even after reduction at 800 °C under H2 for 24 h as well as immersion in boiling water for 5 h. The relative density of SSS could easily exceed 94% after sintering with NiO aid at 1400 °C. The chemical compatibility and electrochemical performance of SSS were investigated with various electrode materials. The BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ exhibited relatively better electrochemical performance with SSS. The electrolyte was co-sintered with a Ni-based anode substrate and densified to high density at 1450 °C without sintering aids. The fuel cell utilizing an anode-supported Ni-SSS|SSS|BCFZY-SSS configuration exhibited a peak power density of 432.1 mW cm−2 at 800 °C.

Onsite and laboratory assessment of repair mortars for reinforced concrete floor slabs in heritage buildings

The conservation and repair of XX century architectural heritage built with reinforced concrete is becoming more and more important and requires suitable materials and technical solutions. In particular, effectiveness, compatibility and durability must be ensured, in spite of the limited extent of demolition allowed by the local authorities, and the literature in this field is still limited. In this paper, an experimental campaign was carried out in an historic reinforced concrete floor slab, where different repair mortars were used. After some on-site testing on the corrosion potential, the concrete beams of the slab were integrally cut and transported to the laboratory for a series of systematic tests, aimed at investigating the performance and compatibility of the repair materials, as well as any possible issues hindering the success of this structural intervention. The filling ability, physical compatibility, chemical compatibility and mechanical compatibility of the repair mortars and the corrosion behavior of the steel reinforcement were investigated, deriving some results of general interest, which may contribute to a better insight about the repair of heritage concrete floor slabs.

CO2-tolerant and cobalt-free La4Ni3-xCuxO10±δ (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7) cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Cu is doped to La4Ni3O10±δ to improve its electrochemical performance as a potential intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) cathode material. A new higher-order Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) phase composition La4Ni3-xCuxO10±δ, (L4N3-xCx, 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) is synthesized using an EDTA-citrate process. The L4N3-xCx cathode has a good chemical compatibility with the La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte. A thermodynamic stability test shows that L4N3-xCx is stable after 72 h exposure to 600, 700, and 800 °C in air. The L4N3-xCx cathode shows chemical stability against CO2, and a stable structure over 12 h in CO2 has been demonstrated. The thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) have been determined to be in the range of 14.1–14.6 × 10−6 K−1, close to that of the LSGM electrolyte. The Cu content (x) significantly affects the electrical conductivity and sinter density of L4N3-xCx. La4Ni2.7Cu0.3O10 (L4N2.7C0.3) displays the highest electrical conductivity value of which reaches about 383 to 319 S cm−1 at 600–800 °C. In addition, Cu doping improves the electrochemical performance of L4N3-xCx. The area specific resistance (ASR) of the La4Ni2.5Cu0.5O10 (L4N2.5C0.5) cathode was found to be 0.045 Ω cm2 at 800 °C, which is significantly better than that of L4N3. The peak power density of a single cell using the L4N2.5C0.5 cathode is 526 mW cm−2 at 800 °C, and a 200 h long-term test demonstrates good stability. These results indicate that La4Ni3-xCuxO10±δ cathode is a promising cathode material for IT-SOFCs.

Multiphase engineering regulation of double perovskite and RP structure heterojunction interfaces for solid oxide fuel cells

In the rigorous testing environment of fuel electrodes, surface-modified and element-doped Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ (SFMO6) experiences RP phase decomposition, thereby significantly improving performance - an aspect often underexplored and underutilized. Therefore, the design of a multiphase structure with complementary advantages and the exploration of their interactions become crucial. In the present investigation, SFMO6, which has outstanding redox stability, high conductivity, and catalytic activity, was combined with Sr3Fe1.8Ni0.2O7-δ (SFNO7) in different proportions. SFNO7, characterized by thermodynamic stability, absence of phase transitions, and mixed electrical conductivity, serves as an anode material. XRD results reveal structural stability, with minimal exsolution in a hydrogen environment, and good chemical compatibility. TEM confirms the hetero-interface, while ECR results show a complementary role of Dchem and Kex values for the two structures. At 800 °C, a composition comprising 70% SFMO6 and 30% SFNO7 demonstrates a notably low polarization resistance (Rp) of 0.12 Ω cm2. The maximum power density (MPD) reaches 725.7 mW cm−2 at 800 °C, a 20% improvement compared to single-phase single-cell counterparts (578.9 and 574.1 mWcm−2). This research provides a valuable strategy for the preparation of complementary hetero-interface materials for SOFC anodes and supports the improvement of performance by controlling the decomposition of SFMO6 into the RP phase in a reducing atmosphere.

The Physicochemical Compatibility of Sildenafil Injection with Parenteral Medications Used in Neonatal Intensive Care Settings.

Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. As multiple intravenous (IV) medications are co-administered in NICU settings, we sought to investigate the physicochemical compatibility of sildenafil with a range of IV drugs. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL or 60 mcg/mL was mixed 1:1 with the secondary drug solution to simulate Y-site co-administration procedures. Physical compatibility was evaluated by visual observation against a black and white background and under polarized light for two hours for changes in colour, precipitation, haze and evolution of gas. Chemical compatibility was determined from sildenafil concentrations, using a validated, stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL was physicochemically compatible with 29 of the 45 drugs tested at 'high-end' clinical concentrations and physically incompatible with 16 drugs and six '2-in-1' parenteral nutrition solutions. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL was compatible with lower, clinically relevant concentrations of calcium gluconate, heparin and hydrocortisone. Aciclovir, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ibuprofen lysine, indometacin, phenobarbitone and rifampicin were incompatible with sildenafil 600 mcg/mL, however these IV medications were compatible with sildenafil 60 mcg/mL. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL and 60 mcg/mL were incompatible with amphotericin, flucloxacillin, furosemide, ibuprofen, meropenem and sodium bicarbonate. Sildenafil compatibility with commonly used syringe filters was also investigated. Sildenafil solution was compatible with nylon syringe filters, however, absorption/adsorption loss occurred with polyethersulfone and cellulose ester filters.

Boosting the catalytic activity of high-order Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite SrEu2Fe2O7-δ air electrode by A-site La doping for CO2 electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cells

Ruddlesden–Popper (R-P) oxides (An+1BnO3n+1) are potential air electrodes for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) because of their good electrochemical performance. Among them, SrEu2Fe2O7-δ (SEF) with n = 2 has received extensive attention because of its special structure and promising ionic–electronic conductivity. However, the SEF material is prone to degradation at high temperatures (600 °C–800 °C), and its long-term stability is easily affected. In this study, R-P oxide Sr1-xLaxEu2Fe2O7-δ (SLEFx; x = 0, 0.05, 0.1) was successfully synthesized using the sol–gel method. XRD results showed that La-doped SEF displayed good chemical and thermal compatibility with the gadolinia-doped ceria electrolyte. The SLEF0.05 electrode exhibited a polarization resistance of 0.075 Ω cm2 at 800 °C, which was 88.2 % lower than that of SEF. The half-cell based on the SLEF0.05 air electrode exhibited improved performance under the long-term stability test at a current density of − 0.5 A cm−2 for over 110 h at 800 °C, indicating excellent stability. Moreover, an electrolysis current density as high as 0.712 A cm−2 at 1.5 V was obtained for the full cell with the SLEF0.05 air electrode, which was 45.8 % higher than the SEF electrode when the temperature and feed gas were 800 °C and 50 % CO2–50 % CO, respectively. The XPS and cell testing results confirmed that La with high valance and small radius promoted the formation of oxygen vacancies and effectively enhanced the electrochemical performance and structural stability of the SEF material. Therefore, the R-P oxide SLEF0.05 is a promising air electrode material for SOECs.

Thermal conductivity enhancement and shape stability of composite phase change materials using MIL-101(Cr)-NH2/expanded graphite/multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Low heat conductivity and leakage much restrict the effective use of phase changing materials (PCMs) in heat energy management. Here, an expanded graphite (EG)/ multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) / metal organic framework (MOF: MIL-101(Cr)-NH2) composite was developed to solve these issues. The porous MOF can avoid the loss of liquid paraffin wax (PW). The heat conductivity of composite PCMs (CPCMs) was improved using EG/MWCNT with a mass ratio of 4:1. The thermophysical properties, heat stability and chemical compatibility of CPCMs were comprehensively investigated. Results demonstrate the successful preparation of CPCMs without any chemical reaction. The MOF (35 %)/EG(4 %)/MWCNT(1 %)/PW(60 %) CPCM exhibits superior thermophysical properties and its melting enthalpy (74.59 J/g) is near the theoretical level after 500 heating/cooling cycles. It exhibits a 792 % increment in heat conductivity from pure PW.

Effect of carbon capture on desulfurization gypsum/carbide slag phase-change composites for waste removal and renewable energy storage

To promote the recycling of industrial waste and produce ultra-low carbon energy storage materials with low-energy consumption this work innovatively proposes to capture carbon dioxide using the mixture made of 70 wt% desulphurization gypsum and 30 wt% carbide slag via a aqueous solution method, and the carbonized mixture used as skeleton material to prepare phase-change composites via cold pression & hot sintering method, and then thermal property, mechanical property and chemical compatibility are investigated. Results show that the carbon capture rate of the skeleton material can reach up to 10.6% at room temperature and can encapsulate the PCM (NaNO3) intact. C-PCC3 has good thermal stability and can undergo 2058 heating/cooling cycles. Compared with the PCC3 (absent carbon capture), the C-PCC3 exhibited a notable enhancement in thermal conductivity by 2.7%. Nevertheless, there was a decrease in mechanical strength from 134.1 MPa to 44.9 MPa, and a reduction in thermal energy storage density from 483.2 J/g to 459.3 J/g. Based on both macroscopic properties and microscopic morphology, the phase change composite materials fabricated in this work exhibit excellent comprehensive property.

Wettability and thermal shock resistance of novel h-BN based ceramic seals for nitrogen oxide sensor

In this study, the novel h-BN based ceramic seals are investigated for nitrogen oxide sensor. The alkaline-free glass (H4) exhibited good wettability on the Fe-16Cr alloy and yttria stabilization zirconia (YSZ) chip and the wetting rate obviously accelerated when the temperature exceeds 940 ℃. The shape parament Ɛ and wetting area of the H4 glass on the substrate of Fe-16Cr alloy and YSZ chip reach the maximum value at 900 °C that Ɛ was 1.46 and wetting area was 146.58 mm2 for Fe-16Cr alloy while Ɛ was 0.89 and wetting area was 165.99 mm2 for YSZ chip. In addition, the addition of 20 wt% H4 glass to hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) formed BN-20 composite seal that can be effectively reduce the formation of substrate pores, microcracks and exhibited excellent chemical compatibility and stability, which shows that BN-20 seal is can be considered as a promising seal for nitrogen oxide sensors.

Scalable Large-Area 2D-MoS2/Silicon-Nanowire Heterostructures for Enhancing Energy Storage Applications.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides have shown great potential for energy storage applications owing to their interlayer spacing, large surface area-to-volume ratio, superior electrical properties, and chemical compatibility. Further, increasing the surface area of such materials can lead to enhanced electrical, chemical, and optical response for energy storage and generation applications. Vertical silicon nanowires (SiNWs), also known as black-Si, are an ideal substrate for 2D material growth to produce high surface-area heterostructures, owing to their ultrahigh aspect ratio. Achieving this using an industrially scalable method paves the way for next-generation energy storage devices, enabling them to enter commercialization. This work demonstrates large surface area, commercially scalable, hybrid MoS2/SiNW heterostructures, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, with high tunability of the MoS2 layers down to the monolayer scale and conformal MoS2 growth, parallel to the silicon nanowires, as verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This has been achieved using a two-step atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, allowing MoS2 to be grown directly onto the silicon nanowires without any damage to the substrate. The ALD cycle number accurately defines the layer number from monolayer to bulk. Introducing an ALD alumina (Al2O3) interface at the MoS2/SiNW boundary results in enhanced MoS2 quality and uniformity, demonstrated by an order of magnitude reduction in the B/A exciton photoluminescence (PL) intensity ratio to 0.3 and a reduction of the corresponding layer number. This high-quality layered growth on alumina can be utilized in applications such as for interfacial layers in high-capacity batteries or for photocathodes for water splitting. The alumina-free 100 ALD cycle heterostructures demonstrated no diminishing quality effects, lending themselves well to applications that require direct electrical contact with silicon and benefit from more layers, such as electrodes for high-capacity ion batteries.

Self-Nanoemulsion Intrigues the Gold Phytopharmaceutical Chrysin: In Vitro Assessment and Intrinsic Analgesic Effect

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid with a wide range of bioactivities. Only a few investigations have assessed the analgesic activity of chrysin. The lipophilicity of chrysin reduces its aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Hence, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were designed to overcome this problem. Kollisolv GTA, Tween 80, and Transcutol HP were selected as oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant, respectively. SNEDDS A, B, and C were prepared, loaded with chrysin (0.1%w/w), and extensively evaluated. The optimized formula (B) encompasses 25% Kollisolv GTA, 18.75% Tween 80, and 56.25% Transcutol HP was further assessed. TEM, in vitro release, and biocompatibility towards the normal oral epithelial cell line (OEC) were estimated. Brain targeting and acetic acid-induced writhing in a mouse model were studied. After testing several adsorbents, powdered SNEDDS B was formulated and evaluated. The surfactant/cosurfactant (S/CoS) ratio of 1:3 w/w was appropriate for the preparation of SNEDDS. Formula B exhibited instant self-emulsification, spherical nanoscaled droplets of 155.4 ± 32.02 nm, and a zeta potential of − 12.5 ± 3.40 mV. The in vitro release proved the superiority of formula B over chrysin suspension (56.16 ± 10.23 and 9.26 ± 1.67%, respectively). The biocompatibility of formula B towards OEC was duplicated (5.69 ± 0.03 µg/mL). The nociceptive pain was mitigated by formula B more efficiently than chrysin suspension as the writhing numbers reduced from 8.33 ± 0.96 to 0 after 60 min of oral administration. Aerosil R972 was selected as an adsorbent, and its chemical compatibility was confirmed. In conclusion, our findings prove the therapeutic efficacy of chrysin self-nanoemulsion as a potential targeting platform to combat pain.Graphical

Environmentally friendly tailor-made oleo-dispersions of electrospun cellulose acetate propionate nanostructures in castor oil for lubricant applications

The aim of this work is to find an alternative lubricating grease formulation that can be produced from renewable and biodegradable sources with minimal risks to human health and the environment. We used a castor oil and electrospun cellulose acetate propionate (CAp) as raw materials. We hypothesized that the acetyl and propionyl groups could provide an adequate chemical compatibility with the castor oil and that the electrospun nanostructures could enable improved physical stability by creating a variety of morphologies allowing the tailoring of the rheological and tribological properties of the resulting greases. The experimental results show that the use of electrospun CAp nanostructures can indeed yield physically stable formulations, even when used at low concentrations (3 ​wt%). The resulting dispersions went through structural transitions due to changes in the thickener morphologies and/or concentration, as shown by oscillatory rheology, oil holding capacity, tackiness, and lubrication performance in metal–metal contact. We found that the formulations, containing smooth or porous CAp nanofibers, at 5 ​wt% as a thickener, possess suitable rheological and tribological properties with a performance comparable to that of traditional lithium lubricating greases.

Compatibility Studies on Selective Insecticides, Fungicides and Water-Soluble Fertilizer Mixtures in Soybean

In present context, there is a demand for combination spray of insecticides and fungicides to manage both insect pests and diseases simultaneously in a crop season. However, tank mixing of incompatible combinations can reduce the effectiveness of the chemicals, cause phytotoxicity or development of insecticide resistance in pests. Hence, a laboratory experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (UAS, Dharwad), Sankeshwar, Karnataka to study the physical, chemical and phytotoxic compatibility of selective insecticides, fungicides and water-soluble fertilizer mixtures at their recommended dose in soybean by jar compatibility method. Out of eighteen different combinations tested emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.3 g l-1) in combination with propiconazole 25 EC (1 ml l-1) and 19:19:19 (N:P:K @ 5 g l-1), as well as lambda cyhalothrin 4.6 + chlorantraniliprole 9.3 ZC (0.4 ml l-1) in combination with propiconazole 25 EC (1 ml l-1) and 19:19:19 (5 g l-1) exhibited sedimentation levels of 1 ml l-1 which was less than the limits of 2 ml 100 ml-1 as specified in 1973 by Indian Standard Institute. The pH of agrochemicals both alone and combinations in all solutions test ranged from 6.02 to 8.39 and none of the solutions found extremely acidic nor alkaline. No phytotoxic symptoms were observed in combination treatments at 5 and 10 days after spraying. All test combinations were physically, chemically and biologically compatible hence, tank mixing of these chemicals can be recommended in soybean for managing of insect pest and diseases.

Effect of impregnated organophilic (hydrophobic) nano clay on asphalt binder properties and performance

This research paper presents the effects of electrophilic modification on raw nano clay (which is hydrophilic in nature) through wet impregnation method to transform it into hydrophobic nature. The reactivity, adsorption capability, and compatibility of nano clay with hydrocarbon and organic materials are improved by entailing functional group (QAS) on raw nano clay surface. Impact of impregnated organophilic nano clay (hydrophobic) on asphalt binder properties and mixture’s performance are studied. Organophilic(hydrophobic) nano clay with 3–5% content to the weight of the binder were selected after extensive trials for modification of asphalt binder. To analyze the electrophilic changes in organophilic nano clay (ONC) and its bonding chemistry with asphalt binder, FTIR analysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques were utilized. In addition, viscosity, low & high-temperature stiffness, bitumen bond strength, and phase separation were studied in the lab. The effect of organophilic nano clay modified binder on asphalt mixture was also measured by deploying rut resistance, moisture susceptibility& fatigue resistance tests. The study revealed that raw nano clay showed chemical compatibility with asphalt binder after electrophilic modification through wet impregnation method. ONC modified binder had better rheological properties, homogenized composition, and storage stability than hydrophilic nature. Mixtures prepared with ONC showed better resistance to rutting, fatigue, and moisture susceptibility.